The Territory road toll has risen to 38 following a fatal motor vehicle crash near Minyerri this morning.

A further nine people have been involved in two separate crashes on Territory roads this weekend.

A Holden Commodore carrying six people was involved in a rollover on Hodgeson River Road near Minyerri at about 8:00am.

The deceased is a 25-year-old local male, who was one of the six occupants of the vehicle. Another three are being transferred to Royal Darwin Hospital by Careflight. The driver of the vehicle, a man aged 20, is in Police custody and is assisting with inquiries.

“The Major Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the circumstances around this crash,” said Commander Tony Fuller.

“It is believed that alcohol played a factor.”

In another incident, four people were involved in a single vehicle crash near Yuemdumu around midnight.

“Police officers conducting roadside random breath testing at Tillmouth Well observed a Holden Commodore failing to stop at the RBT station and speeding from the scene shortly before midnight. Police did not engage in a pursuit.

“Shortly after, the vehicle was involved in a rollover. Four male occupants, aged between 19 and 25 years, sustained varying injuries and were treated by St John Ambulance and Yuendumu Clinic staff before being transported to Alice Springs.”

Commander Fuller said that this was not a good start to the Grand Final weekend.

“These sorts of incidents are traumatic for everyone involved – their families and friends, the people who find and report the crashes and the emergency personnel who respond. We urge people to act responsibly. Enjoy the weekend, don’t drink and drive, and come home alive.”

The road toll for the same time last year was 30.